Student learning outside the formal classroom is inextricably linked to informal learning environments. In many countries, most activities that employ informal learning prioritize the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines and have shown a positive impact on increasing students' interest, self-efficacy,…

Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities are among the most vulnerable to experiencing exclusion from community settings. Informal education settings (IES), such as camps, museums, and zoos, provide rich learning opportunities beyond the classroom, yet inclusion efforts have primarily focused on physical accessibility. A review of research is…

Every year, nearly one million staff work seasonally at summer camps. Although little research has investigated staff experiences compared to campers' experiences, literature does exist. Understanding the breadth and depth of this literature is an important way to guide future investigations and employment practices regarding seasonal summer camp…

Research evidence suggests that summer breaks contribute to income-based achievement and opportunity gaps for children and youth. However, summertime can also be used to provide programs that support an array of goals for children and youth, including improved academic achievement, physical health, mental health, social and emotional well-being,…

Summer camps provide opportunities for children to experience play, pleasurable activities, and social interaction with other children of similar ages and interests and are an integral part of the modern-day American cultural landscape. The authors discuss the emergence of summer camps for children with special needs, the types of play activities…

Addresses the importance of camp evaluation, including the role of formative and summative evaluations; overviews areas of evaluation such as administration, facilities and grounds, programming, and staff; describes functions of evaluation, including human relations, technical function, and conceptual function; describes evaluation tools; and…

This book is the primary text for the Certified Camp Director Program and the Basic Camp Directors Course sponsored by the American Camping Association (Indiana). It provides an orientation for new and prospective camp directors and a quick reference for experienced camp directors. The book covers the following topics: (1) an historical overview…

Summer camp is a type of laboratory for community living. Society's needs have changed from providing a positive summer challenge for idle youth to experimenting with the demands and rewards of working in community groups. Decentralized camping emphasizes the team decision-making approach to teach self-reliance and awareness of democratic…

This article describes the day use area adjoining the Allatoona Dam on the Etowah River north of Atlanta and the geology of the three physiographic provinces which converge there. Included are a generalized geologic map of the area and maps of the visitor center, picnic areas, the abandoned pig iron furnace, the scenic overlooks, and the…

Los Angeles children who attend the 8-week summer day camp spend 2 hours a day learning how to read. The rest of the time is spent playing sports, doing art activities, and taking field trips. The program is replicated in other school districts. (MLF)

Summarizes research concerning the influence of different types of discussions about moral dilemmas between adolescents and either parents or peers on the adolescents' moral development. Discusses implications for camp staff, who may lead campers in discussions based on real-life moral dilemmas in their cabins. (SV)

In 1992, a review of research in adventure therapy offered a perspective that utilized work in psychotherapy as a lens to view the current state of the field. From that review, recommendations were made to gain respect within the field of traditional mental health. This update examines the 1992 recommendations and updates them based on recent…

Summarizes three studies relevant to camp. In focus groups, 68 adolescent camp counselors reported camp helped them become more responsible and confident, communicate better, and manage stressful situations. A study involving 400 campers found improvement in communication, leadership, decision making, working in groups, and understanding self.…

Describes Marshall University's summer camp where young people participate in activities that help prepare them for important career choices they will need to make when entering college. Benefits for the university include: recruitment, enhanced community partnerships, better informed incoming freshman, and publicity for the career center. (JBJ)

Describes features of organized camping that are conducive to social learning, including the continuity and variety of the camping experience; planned, goal-oriented experiences; qualified adult leadership; and the informal atmosphere of camping. Stresses the role of small-group experiences as the most important aspect of camplife and social…